What Should I Do After Wind or Hail Damages My Roof?

After a wind or hail event, focus on safety, documentation, and preventing further damage where possible. Damage may not be obvious from the ground, and you should never climb onto a roof to inspect it after severe weather.

Check for immediate hazards

Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, loose building materials, and damaged ceilings. If the home appears structurally unsafe, leave the affected area and contact the appropriate emergency service.

Document visible damage

Photograph damage from a safe location, note the date of the storm, and record interior leaks or broken windows. Keep receipts for reasonable emergency measures and do not discard relevant records.

Contact your insurer

Ask about the claim process, deadlines, deductible, documentation, and whether an adjuster should inspect before permanent work begins. Coverage depends on your specific policy and the cause of the damage.

Arrange a professional assessment

A roofer may identify missing shingles, damaged flashing, impact marks, or other visible conditions and provide written observations. A contractor cannot guarantee that an insurer will approve a claim.

Avoid pressure tactics

Be cautious of anyone demanding an immediate signature or promising guaranteed claim approval. Verify credentials, read documents, and compare written scopes before authorizing major work.

Weather-related roof planning

For homeowners, the most useful roofing advice is specific enough to guide the next step without pretending every property is the same. After severe weather, begin with safety rather than climbing a ladder. From the ground, look for displaced shingles, fallen branches, damaged gutters, debris, or changes around roof edges. Indoors, check for new stains or damp areas without entering an unsafe attic. Some damage is difficult to see from the ground, so a qualified inspection may be appropriate when a storm has affected the neighborhood or you notice a new symptom.

Practical steps for Philadelphia homeowners

Keep a dated record of what you observe and take photographs only from a safe location. If you plan to contact an insurer, follow the insurer’s documentation instructions and ask what temporary protection is appropriate. Coverage decisions depend on the specific policy and claim review; a roofer cannot guarantee that a claim will be accepted. Discuss weather contingencies with any contractor, including how the roof will be protected if rain or freezing conditions interrupt the work.

What a thorough assessment should cover

A thoughtful assessment considers the roof covering and its transitions, not just the most obvious visible mark. Depending on the building, the review may include shingles or membrane, flashing, valleys, eaves, roof penetrations, gutters and downspouts, drainage paths, ventilation, and accessible signs of moisture. The inspector should distinguish observed facts from possible causes and explain when a closer examination is needed. Ask for written findings in plain language so you can revisit the advice after the inspection.

It is also worth discussing the impact of the work on daily life. Confirm access, material delivery, parking, protection of landscaping and neighboring property, debris removal, and the expected work window. Attached Philadelphia homes may need careful coordination around shared walls and limited access. Ask how the crew will secure the site if weather interrupts the project and how updates will be communicated. These practical details are part of a well-planned roofing job, not an afterthought.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Climbing onto a wet, steep, icy, or visibly damaged roof to investigate a concern.
• Assuming every leak requires full replacement—or assuming a small visible stain is always a minor repair.
• Approving extra work without understanding the reason, scope, and written terms.
• Choosing a contractor without checking credentials, insurance, references, and a detailed agreement.
• Ignoring recurring symptoms after a repair instead of documenting them and asking for follow-up.